Joanna Marie Chantal
January 3, 1951 ~ January 19, 2023
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
After a short and aggressive illness, Joanna Marie Chantal of South Portland passed away peacefully on January 19, 2023 at the age of 72. She leaves behind her brother, Paul “Freddy” Chantal III, several cousins, and her beloved friends, many of whom are from the theater community.
Joanna was born on January 3, 1951 in Portland, ME to parents Paul and Rosemary Chantal, who predeceased her. She spent her childhood in South Portland before moving to Cape Elizabeth and graduating from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1970. Joanna attended Westbrook Junior College before beginning a 35 year career as an emergency room administrative assistant at Maine Medical Center. After retiring in 2006, Joanna put all of her passion into continuing as Stage Manager Extraordinaire for Portland Players Theatre. She cemented her legacy at Portland Players after 40 years of exceptional dedication and expertise. Joanna volunteered for the City of South Portland as a Poll Worker for 15 years and her love for local and world travel, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots was known by all.
Joanna requested to be cremated and interred at Brooklawn Cemetery with her parents. She has requested that there be no formal service and in lieu of flowers, to please consider a donation to The Portland Players Theater @ 420 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106.
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Many years of community theater.
Wonderfully kind hearted.
I will never forget you.
My love to all of Joanna’s family, whether you are a relative or theater family. She was the best.
A truly good lady who lived a pretty good life ..
Go to her beloved baseball games !
She plugged and trucked along the road of life with a quiet chutzpah .
Not really a candle…………more a theater stages ghost light
Joanna loved theatre .In its grand tradition she knew when to take the final bow .
Joanna was very proud of the awards she had won through her work in the theatre .Its been years since I’d been to her home – but I remember her having her awards on display. Also on display were dolls and stuffed toys she had kept from childhood. I even gave her a stuffed toy bear from Russia !
We drifted apart ,with me doing the more drifting ,but it was a gift and honor to have you as a friend .I love ya ,dearly .
Stoic ,hardworking ,committed .
Years ago we met up in NYC .She wss visiting her aunt and I visiting a cousin . We went to see the newly opened musical ,Edwin Drood ,and got to a live taping of T.he David Letters Show . I think we had a meal at Mama Leones Restaurant……….. Olive Garden Restaurant of the day .
Many things – but one was that she seems to have worked the 3rd shift most of her working life .Working late night to early morn , sleeping during the day is not easy. But she did it -and managed a fairly full life – working theater as well !
Years ago I decided to start using my 1st name of Gabriel after having used my middle name of John for years .When I told Joanna – she simply said ” Ill call you John ” – and she did .
I think Jo liked to play the tough girl – but she was a softie 😉
A truly good person and loyal friend .
We both worked ,3rd shift,at Maine Medical Car .She in the ER and I in the OR Also – both involved with Portland Players – though I dropped out long ago while a Joanna stayed .
To the friends and family of Joanna,
I have such fond memories of working with Joanna. She was a talented, spirited, and wonderful person. God bless her and her family and friends at Portland Players and beyond. So sorry for your loss.
I got to no Joanna through ushering at Portland Players. I liked her a lot. I was so sorry for her passing. I will miss her. Take care . From, Kristen Tully
To Fred and family, I was so sad to hear of Joanna passing. I enjoyed voluteer with her at Portland players. So sorry for her passing. Take care, From, Kristen Tully
Do sad to hear of the passing of my best childhood friend. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of hugs!
She likes to decorate the inside of her house during Christmas.
Her ability to stay relevant with all the changes in the world.
Her absolute commitment it what she believed in and incredible loyalty.
Hundreds of high quality community theater shows and the love of all who knew her.
She made sure young people in her care understood discipline and commitment.
She was a dedicated hard working person who loved theater and all those around it.
Tough exterior with a huge loving heart. No nonsense but liked a good joke.
Portland Players
I hope you remember me.
She was doing a show with children and they saw her smoking outside and they said see she is a dragon lady she is breathing out smoke